tips

When it comes to tipping, I admit that I get confused. Sure, I know how much to tip at a restaurant or when I get my hair cut, but there are also grey areas -- do you leave a tip when you stay in a hotel, for example, and if so how much?

With all of the rain and gloom of late, as I sit at my desk staring out the window and longing to break out my tube tops and flip flops and hit the park, I've been thinking about how to raise my spirits. I've tried a number of things to compensate for the grey clouds — re-watching my favourite movies, tackling ambitious recipes (for my personal culinary skill set) and going to the gym - with mixed results.

Get yourself summer party ready with this expert advice on a DIY pedicure

My grandma never imagined needing any of this stuff - this list helps put the whole luxury versus necessity thing into perspective.

I've learned a few great kitchen tips since I started cooking professionally, and this is one of my favourites.